Sen. Rick Scott

China Trade Relations Act of 2023 This bill withdraws normal trade relations treatment from China and expands the bases of ineligibility for this treatment to include specified violations of human rights by China. Specifically, during any period in which China engages in specified activities (e.g., using slave labor, performing forced abortion or sterilization, or hindering the free exercise of religion) (1) products from China shall not be eligible to receive nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations), (2) China may not participate in any U.S. program that extends credits or credit guarantees or investment guarantees, and (3) the President may not conclude any commercial agreement with China.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how federal clean water funding is distributed to states, tribes, and territories starting in 2024. It requires 0.1% of funds for "Buy American oversight," guarantees each state at least its 2023 funding level, and allocates additional funds based on state population. It also sets fixed percentages: 2% for Indian tribes and 1.5% for U.S. territories. For 2029 onward, funding will use a new formula based on a biennial "clean watersheds needs survey" that estimates infrastructure costs. The bill clarifies it does not affect existing infrastructure funds from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific traditional handmade cigars from most FDA regulations under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It directly affects small cigar manufacturers who produce cigars meeting strict criteria: 100% leaf tobacco wrappers and fillers, no filters, weighing at least 6 pounds per 1,000 cigars, and made primarily by hand using limited machinery. The law removes FDA authority to regulate these cigars, including requiring pre-market review or labeling changes. This change aims to preserve jobs in small businesses that specialize in these traditional products.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides targeted funding for recovery from Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, and Nicole by amending the 2023 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act. It allocates $200 million for agricultural land easements, $110 million for emergency watershed protection, $300 million for flood control projects through the Corps of Engineers, and $100 million for environmental restoration. The bill also establishes a pilot program for elevating structures in flood-prone areas in Florida and creates a process to reimburse interest on disaster-related loans. It directly affects communities in states and territories impacted by these hurricanes, as well as local governments and tribal communities working on recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs and restricts existing approved drugs to in-person administration by certified healthcare providers. It requires providers to be certified in pregnancy assessment, ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, and emergency care capabilities, and mandates that drugs can only be dispensed in clinics, offices, or hospitals. The bill also imposes new reporting requirements for adverse events (like hospitalizations or severe infections) and requires providers to document risks to patients before prescribing. These provisions apply to all drugs defined as "abortion drugs" under the bill, which includes any substance intended to terminate pregnancy (excluding specific medical exceptions).

Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 202 3 This bill reduces from 10% to 3% the excise tax rate that applies to the sale of portable, electronically-aerated bait containers by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to prioritize payments for Social Security benefits, military pay, veterans' benefits, Medicare, and debt held by the public if the national debt reaches its legal limit. It mandates that the Treasury automatically increase the debt ceiling by the amount needed to cover these priority payments during any two-week period where revenue would otherwise fall short. The law directly affects Social Security recipients, active-duty military personnel, veterans, Medicare beneficiaries, and holders of U.S. Treasury debt. Key provisions include automatic debt limit adjustments based on revenue projections and holding excess funds for future payment periods. The bill aims to prevent default on these critical obligations without requiring new congressional action during debt limit crises.

Maddy summarySRES 14 is a procedural resolution amending a Senate rule to align terminology with how the House of Representatives handles budget-related communications. It updates references from "Senator" to "Member of Congress" and adds "message from the House of Representatives" to requirements for identifying spending items in budget documents. This change ensures Senate committees consistently treat House amendments and messages as equivalent to Senate amendments when processing budget-related items. The resolution affects only internal Senate procedural rules, not substantive policy or constituent impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funds from covering abortions in most circumstances, including health benefits plans, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or when a pregnancy endangers a woman's life. It specifically bars the use of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for health plans that cover abortion, requiring insurers to disclose abortion coverage details separately in marketing materials. The law applies to all federal health programs and ACA marketplace plans, ensuring taxpayer dollars aren't used for abortion services or coverage. It does not affect private insurance plans purchased with non-federal funds or separate abortion coverage options.

Maddy summaryThe EPIC Act (S 87) ends future retirement coverage for Members of Congress under two federal retirement systems: the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. Effective upon enactment, Members would no longer have government contributions or payroll deductions for retirement after that date, though all retirement benefits earned before enactment remain preserved. Current Members covered by these systems may opt to remain in them by notifying their pay office within 90 days. The bill does not affect participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, and the Vice President is excluded from these changes.